CRISPY EGGPLANT PARMESAN RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the canola oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, tomatoes and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the sauce for the online round 2 recipe Eggplant and Pasta.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Set up a breading station using 3 baking dishes. In the first dish, add the flour and season with salt and pepper, to taste. In the second dish whisk the eggs with 1/2 cup water. In the third dish combine the bread crumbs, cornmeal, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Slice the eggplant into 3/4-inch slices. Dredge them in flour, then in the egg wash and then in the bread crumbs. Arrange the eggplant on 2 sheet trays fitted with a racks and bake in oven until crispy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Reserve 4 slices of eggplant for the online round 2 recipe, Eggplant and Pasta.
• Turn the oven to broil. Put the eggplant, overlapping, into a flameproof baking dish in 2 rows. Cover each row with about a cup of sauce and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Put under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Steps:

• Cut eggplant into 1/4-1/2 inch slices. 1/4 inch for super thin eggplant slices or 1/2 for slightly thicker slices perfect for eggplant parmigiana.
• OPTIONAL STEP: Some report a creamy richer tasting eggplant when salting eggplant before cooking. Lay the eggplant on a rack over a baking sheet. Sprinkle salt on the cut sides. This will draw water out of the eggplant and reduce bitterness. After 30 minutes rinse the eggplant slices and then pat completely dry.
• In a flat bowl or large dish mix together your Italian seasoned breadcrumb, panko, Parmesan cheese, parsley, pepper and garlic powder (optional). Set next to your flour and beaten egg bowls. The dredging station order should be flour, then egg then breadcrumb.
• Dip eggplant slices into flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into egg, coating both sides allowing excess to drip off. Then press the eggplant slices into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides. Set on a plate or rack and repeat until all the slices are coated.
• Cooking in batches, spray or drizzle olive oil on both sides of the eggplant slices before adding to the air-fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes, flip and then cook another 5 minutes until golden on both sides. Set on a baking sheet or rack and continue cooking the rest. You may keep them in a warm oven if you like.NOTE: All Air-Fryers cook differently. You may want to adjust your cooking time or temperature after the first batch.
• Season with a little salt if desired. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, tzatziki or serve over salad or pasta. These eggplant slices can also be used to for eggplant parmigiana. Enjoy!